Gopher Snake

The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) uses its black, forked tongue to taste the air for prey. This reptile can survive in a wide range of habitats from low-elevation grasslands to montane (higher areas, lower temperatures, more rainfall) forests, but can often be found on a warm asphalt road on a cool summer evening. When threatened, this snake will “rattle” its tail by shaking it in dry leaves, which often leads to its demise when confronted by humans. Unlike the rattler, these snakes are not venomous and not aggressive when handled. In winter, gopher snakes retreat to communal dens, sometimes sharing the lair with rattlesnakes, whipsnakes, or racers. But during the breeding season, males will vigorously defend their territories against all other snakes. The combat “dance” between two male gopher snakes may last more than an hour, and has been mistaken for a courtship display between a males and female. Gopher snakes are excellent rodent predators. They will also eat small rabbits, lizards, birds, and occasionally other snakes. Gopher snakes are a nutritious meal for other predators, such as the red-tailed hawk,